From bucket list wine regions like California’s Sonoma County and Bordeaux, France, to lesser-known but equally stunning areas like Lazio, Italy, and often-overlooked Cordoba, Argentina, these five wine destinations offer some of the best vino around. Combine that with refreshing open-air locations, fascinating culture and history and delectable menu pairings for an unforgettable trip.

Sonoma County, California

Sonoma County is an enticing wine enthusiasts’ destination. Located a few hours drive from San Francisco, Sonoma is generally known as Napa’s more laid-back neighboring wine region.

Immerse yourself in nature by booking a stay at AutoCamp Russian River, where you can pair your perfect wine country getaway with the serene beauty of the Sonoma redwoods, try your hand at birding, find your Zen with on-site yoga or simply drift down the Russian River on a kayak tour of the tranquil Sonoma Coast. Be sure to also take advantage of the complimentary on-site guided tasting tour with a local rotating brewery or winery before finding your groove at the weekly live acoustic music around the campfire.

Sip young and dry whites such as malvasia and trebbiano and reds bursting with flavor such as sangiovese and Montepulciano. Marco Carpineti, in Cori, and Azienda Biologica De Sanctis, in Frascati, are two great stops among dozens of vineyards spread through the area’s 27 appellations.

Nothing pairs with fine wine quite like spectacular sunset views. Set on Rome’s highest hilltop, Rome Cavalieri, A Waldorf Astoria hotel offers panoramic views of the city and St. Peter’s Dome. The property’s proximity to Rome’s center and Vatican City makes exploring easy, while still offering a tranquil haven to unwind at the end of the day. If time allows, embrace Italian history with a detour to Italy’s UNESCO World Heritage Site town of Tivoli, 12 miles (19 kilometers) east of Rome, to see the magnificent Italian Renaissance Villa d’Este palace and gardens.

Drop in at Cloudy Bay Vineyards, the winery that arguably put Marlborough on oenophiles’ maps, where you can sample a tasting flight, view the grapes up close with a walk through the vineyards or enjoy a full epicurean experience with wine pairings. Other wineries of note include: Brancott Estate, Hans Herzog Estate and Villa Maria Estate.

Once you’ve hit all your wine stops, head to another must-see city on New Zealand’s South Island: Christchurch. A city of exploration, Christchurch is known for offering a unique blend of culture and innovation. From street art to established green spaces and cutting-edge architecture alongside some of the country’s oldest buildings, the center of town is filled with intrigue.

Enjoy the peaceful surroundings by visiting the Christchurch Botanic Gardens in Hagley Park, across the street from Chateau on the Park – Christchurch, a DoubleTree by Hilton, for family-friendly discovery trails and seasonal treasure hunts or edible garden workshops for seasonal instruction for home gardens. Return to the picturesque hotel for a relaxing dip in the outdoor pool before dinner at the Garden Court Brasserie, where you can sip wines of the region while overlooking the property’s moat and award-winning gardens.

To learn more about the region, spend a day or two exploring Bordeaux’s historic core, including Place de la Bourse main square, La Cite du Vin museum and quays along the Garonne. Hilton Garden Inn Bordeaux Centre is the perfect resting spot for centrally located activities, situated less than 2.4 miles (4 kilometers) from Bordeaux Cathedral and Place de la Bourse’s Water Mirror.

Venture back into wine country for a day of private tours with Bordeaux Wine Trails. Visit the towns of Medoc, Saint-Emilion, Graves, Pomerol and more, stopping at some of the region’s most famous vineyards and wineries. End your day at the stunning Chateau La Dominique in Saint-Emilion and enjoy a tasting menu at the winery’s restaurant.

Famiglia Furfaro winery and Bodega Vista Grande, both in the Calamuchita Valley, and Bodega San Javier, in the Traslasierra Valley, are all fantastic tasting rooms, the last of the three is located three hours southwest from Cordoba (so plan accordingly).

If your trip includes a stop in Buenos Aires, take advantage of the city’s many quaint neighborhoods. The artsy San Telmo district is the oldest in the city and you can embrace traditional Argentinian culture along the neighborhood’s cobblestone streets lined with cafes, tango studios and antique stores. Reflecting the area’s historical architecture from the exterior, Anselmo Buenos Aires, Curio Collection by Hilton features a modern interior cleverly tucked behind its façade that provides a contemporary sanctuary. You’ll be just steps away from Plaza Dorrego, the Museum of Modern Art and numerous bars and restaurants.

No matter where your wine-tasting journey begins, these exclusive destinations — offering a perfect pairing of vineyards, culture and history — are sure to leave a lasting impression. Cheers!

Formerly an assistant editor at Travel + Leisure, Los Angeles-based Tanvi Chheda has been freelancing for 15 years. Her work has appeared in The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, AFAR, Virtuoso Life, Four Seasons magazine, Qantas, Inspirato, Invited, Pasadena magazine and OLTRE and Ciao Bambino, among others. She writes mostly about lifestyle and travel, which often spills into arts & culture, food, design and more. With two young children, family travel is also a passion of hers. Given her South Asian heritage, she writes about India quite frequently as well (she was born in India and speaks three Indian languages). When not traveling or writing, she enjoys reading, cooking and spending time outdoors.